SAN BERNARDINO – He pictures his opponent as the Incredible Hulk, a humanoid monster with bulging muscles climbing into the fight cage.

It’s what motivates San Bernardino County firefighter Travis Aguirre to do an extra set of squat walks or stack more weight on the bench in preparation for his first submission grappling match.

The 26-year-old doesn’t know anything about his opponent for Saturday’s Guns-N-Hoses grappling tournament, except that he is a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy.

“I’m putting him on a pedestal and thinking to myself that the guy I’m going against is doing this (workout) plus more,” Aguirre said. “I’m picturing climbing into the ring with the Hulk. I just hope when I actually climb into the ring it isn’t the Hulk.”

The 7 p.m. match at Adrenaline Combat Sports & Fitness is believed to be the first bout of grappling in the county.

Grappling is similar to wrestling. Contestants try to gain the upper hand during two four-minute rounds but cannot strike their opponent. Slamming, eye gouging, hair pulling and biting are also frowned upon.

The event, organized by San Bernardino City firefighters, will raise money for fallen cops and firefighters.

“My only concern is I don’t want anybody to get hurt,” Aguirre said. “We all have families, we all have jobs, and this isn’t as serious as the UFC.”

Teams were organized in February and firefighter coach Jade Morgan said he hand-picked the 10 men who comprise the San Bernardino County Fire Department All-Stars.

“Almost all my guys are beginners, but they’re fresh and ready to go,” Morgan said.

Aguirre is more than ready to go. He’s been steadily training for this over the last four months, spending up to six hours a day in the gym practicing moves or increasing his stamina and strength.

Aguirre has loaded protein into his diet – four shakes a day, eggs for breakfast and lots of chicken and fish – in hopes of keeping on the weight but he’s dropped 30 pounds.

He is registered to grapple in the 215-pound weight class.

Aguirre practiced Thursday morning with fellow firefighter Aaron Aspers, who likened him to an anaconda as he struggled to escape Aguirre’s leg lock.

A smile spread over Aguirre’s face, the same smile he keeps as he wrestles on the mat in a rashguard and board shorts. He thinks his secret weapon is his tendency to sweat profusely.

“I’m like a greased pig. Try to catch me,” Aguirre said, pointing at the puddle on the mat.

After a year of wrestling at Sultana High School in Hesperia and a year of jiujitsu training, Aguirre feels ready to step into the cage.

“I definitely want to give the people a good show and some kind of entertainment,” he said. “All the money they’re paying for a ticket is going to a good cause.”

Although some contestants set to grapple Saturday are considered professional, Aguirre is taking a light-hearted approach to his match.

“I’m not looking to make a career in the grappling industry,” he said with a laugh. “I remember having fun when I was younger and I’m hoping it will still be fun now.”

“I’m hoping to get a feeling of accomplishment just for seeing this all the way through. It’s going to be interesting to get in a cage with a guy and have a crowd watching us.”